Frame mount and system for securing frames at different orientations

ABSTRACT

A method and system for mounting frames is provided herein. Specifically, a frame mounting system is configured to hold a polygonal shaped frame at different orientations based on placement of the frame on and within the frame mount. The different orientations include mounting a side edge of the frame in the frame mount and holding in place with an interference fit, and mounting a corner of the frame in the same frame mount and holding in place with an interference fit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, co-pending U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/598,995, filed Dec. 14, 2017, for allsubject matter common to both applications. The disclosure of saidprovisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a frame mounting system suitable forholding a frame in a plurality of orientations with a friction fit. Inparticular, the present invention relates to a frame mount configured tohold a polygonal frame at different orientations, including receiving agenerally straight side, and/or receiving a corner, of the polygonalframe, and frictionally mounting the frame in place without requiringadditional fastening components.

BACKGROUND

Generally, framing elements, such as picture frames, are designed asdecorative and/or functional edging around an object for display.Picture frames and similar framing elements are designed to enhance theobject included therein, make it easier to display the object, and/orprotect the object. Picture frames are traditionally designed to be hungon a wall and/or stand on a surface with a kickstand type of support.However, these types of hanging/support structures can be limiting intheir aesthetic appeal, and sometimes unreliable. In particular, thesetypes of arrangements can cause the framed object to fall or tip overand often restrict a user to one or two orientations for displayingtheir objects. Additionally, traditional frames do not provide stackingcapabilities.

SUMMARY

There is a need for improvements for framing and displaying objects. Thepresent invention is directed toward further solutions to address thisneed, in addition to having other desirable characteristics.Specifically, the present invention is directed to a frame mount andcorresponding system that is configured to securely hold an object on aflat surface in a plurality of frame orientations and configurations.Additionally, the frame mount of the present invention enables multipleframes to be securely stacked together in different stackingconfigurations.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, a framemount is provided. The frame mount includes a base having a top end, abottom end, and a perimeter wall spanning between the top end and thebottom end. The frame mount also includes a channel groove centrallydisposed in an orientation that traverses completely across an upperhalf of the base and through the perimeter wall at each end of thechannel groove, the channel groove comprising a channel groove floor ata predetermined depth from the top end of the base, a first channelgroove wall extending from the top end of the base to the channel groovefloor, and a second channel groove wall opposite the first channelgroove wall and extending from the top end of the base to the channelgroove floor. The frame further includes a notch recess disposed downthrough the channel groove floor and extending toward the bottom end ofthe base. The first channel groove wall and the second channel groovewall are spaced apart a distance sized and dimensioned relative to athickness of a frame in such a way that when the frame is placed intothe channel groove, the channel groove is configured to receive theframe and frictionally hold the frame therebetween. When a straight sideof the frame is placed in the channel groove, the straight side of theframe is arranged generally parallel with and abutting the channelgroove floor, the first channel groove wall, and the second channelgroove wall, and the frame mount frictionally holds the frame in placewithout requiring additional fastening components. When a corner of theframe is placed in the channel groove, the corner is received into andabuts the notch recess, extending downwardly through the channel groovefloor toward the bottom end of the base, and the frame mountfrictionally holds the frame in place without requiring additionalfastening components.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the notch recess isgenerally V-shaped, with an apex of the V-shaped notch recess beingperpendicular to the first channel groove wall and the second channelgroove wall. The v-shaped notch recess can receive the corner of theframe in such a way that either side of the frame forming the corner isparallel with and abuts walls of the V-shaped notch recess. Theperimeter wall can be circular in shape.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, frameand mount system is provided. The frame and mount system includes aframe having two generally straight sides and at least one corner. Theframe and mount system also includes a frame mount. The frame mountincludes a base having a top end, a bottom end, and a perimeter wallspanning between the top end and the bottom end. The frame mount alsoincludes a channel groove centrally disposed and traversing completelyacross an upper half of the base and through the perimeter wall at eachend of the channel groove, the channel groove comprising a channelgroove floor at a predetermined depth from the top end of the base, afirst channel groove wall extending perpendicularly from the top end ofthe base to the channel groove floor, and a second channel groove wallopposite the first channel groove wall and extending perpendicularlyfrom the top end of the base to the channel groove floor. The framemount further includes a notch recess disposed down through the channelgroove floor and extending toward the bottom end of the base. The firstchannel groove wall and the second channel groove wall are spaced aparta distance sized and dimensioned relative to a thickness of the frame insuch a way that when the frame is placed into the channel groove, thechannel groove is configured to receive the frame and frictionally holdthe frame therebetween. When one of the two generally straight sides ofthe frame is placed in the channel groove, the one of the two generallystraight sides is generally parallel with and abutting the channelgroove floor, the first channel groove wall, and the second channelgroove wall. When the at least one corner of the frame is placed in thechannel groove, the at least one corner is received into and abuts thenotch recess, extending downwardly through the channel groove floortoward the bottom end of the base.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the notch recess isgenerally V-shaped, with an apex of the V-shaped notch recess beingperpendicular to the first channel groove wall and the second channelgroove wall. The V-shaped notch recess can receive the at least onecorner of the frame in such a way that either side of the frame formingthe at least one corner is parallel with and abuts walls of the V-shapednotch recess. The frame can further include two layers of suspensionfilm configured to suspend objects therebetween.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the frame and mountsystem can also include a generally H-shaped stacking connector. Thestacking connector can include a first channel and a second channel. Thefirst channel and the second channel can be sized and dimensioned toreceive one of the two generally straight sides of the frame in such away that when the frame is placed into one of the first channel or thesecond channel the frame is received and is frictionally heldtherebetween. The frame can be one of a rectangular or polygonal shape.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, a frameand mount kit is provided. The frame and mount kit includes a framehaving two generally straight sides and at least one corner. The frameand mount kit also includes a frame mount including a base having a topend, a bottom end, and a perimeter wall spanning between the top end andthe bottom end. The frame mount also includes a channel groove centrallydisposed and traversing completely across an upper half of the base andthrough the perimeter wall at each end of the channel groove, thechannel groove comprising a channel groove floor at a predetermineddepth from the top end of the base, a first channel groove wallextending perpendicularly from the top end of the base to the channelgroove floor, and a second channel groove wall opposite the firstchannel groove wall and extending perpendicularly from the top end ofthe base to the channel groove floor. The frame mount further includes anotch recess disposed down through the channel groove floor andextending toward the bottom end of the base. The first channel groovewall and the second channel groove wall are spaced apart a distancesized and dimensioned relative to a thickness of the frame in such a waythat when the frame is placed into the channel groove, the channelgroove is configured to receive the frame and frictionally hold theframe therebetween. When one of the two generally straight sides of theframe is placed in the channel groove, the one of the two generallystraight sides is generally parallel with and abutting the channelgroove floor, the first channel groove wall, and the second channelgroove wall. When the at least one corner of the frame is placed in thechannel groove, the at least one corner is received into and abuts thenotch recess, extending downwardly through the channel groove floortoward the bottom end of the base.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the notch recess isgenerally V-shaped, with an apex of the V-shaped notch recess beingperpendicular to the first channel groove wall and the second channelgroove wall. The V-shaped notch recess can receive the at least onecorner of the frame in such a way that either side of the frame formingthe at least one corner is parallel with and abuts walls of the V-shapednotch recess. The frame can include two layers of suspension filmconfigured to suspend objects therebetween.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the kit can includea generally H-shaped stacking connector. The stacking connector caninclude a first channel and a second channel. The first channel and thesecond channel are sized and dimensioned to receive one of the twogenerally straight sides of the frame in such a way that when the frameis placed into one of the first channel or the second channel the frameis received and is frictionally held therebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other characteristics of the present invention will be morefully understood by reference to the following detailed description inconjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative isometric view of a frame mount in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the frame mount;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side plan views of the frame mount;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side section view of the frame mount;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative isometric view of a stacking connector inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side plan view of a stacking connector in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustrative isometric view of a male half of the stackingconnector;

FIG. 8 is perspective internal plan view of the male half of thestacking connector;

FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the male half of the stacking connector;

FIG. 10 is an illustrative isometric view of a female half of thestacking connector in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is internal plan view of the female half of the stackingconnector in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the female half of the stackingconnector;

FIG. 13 is an external plan view of male and/or female halves of thestacking connector, which are substantially similar to each other inthis view; and

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are illustrative views of frames held by theframe mount and/or the stacking connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to a framemount that is configured to securely hold an object on a flat surface,such as a table or a wall. The frame mount enables a user to display theframe/framed object in a plurality of orientations and configurations.Additionally, the frame mount of the present invention enables multipleobjects to be securely stacked vertically on one another.

FIGS. 1 through 14C, wherein like parts are designated by like referencenumerals throughout, illustrate an example embodiment or embodiments ofimproved operation for a frame mount and a frame and mount system,according to the present invention. Although the present invention willbe described with reference to the example embodiment or embodimentsillustrated in the figures, it should be understood that manyalternative forms can embody the present invention. One of skill in theart will additionally appreciate different ways to alter the parametersof the embodiment(s) disclosed, such as the size, shape, or type ofelements or materials, in a manner still in keeping with the spirit andscope of the present invention.

The present invention is a frame mount system 100 configured for holdinga frame 200 in a plurality of configurations. The frame mount system 100includes a frame mount having a base 102. FIG. 1 is an illustrativeisometric view of a frame mount base 102 in accordance with the presentinvention. In particular, FIG. 1 depicts a frame mount base 102. Thebase 102, as depicted in FIG. 1, is generally cylindrical in shape,although as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the shape ofthe base 102 can vary without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, the base 102 can be rectangular in shape.Regardless of shape, the base 102 includes a top end 104, a bottom end106, and a perimeter wall 108 spanning between the top end 104 and thebottom end 106. The bottom end 106 of the base 102 is flat such that thebase 102 can rest level on a flat surface while holding the frame 200,either resting on a horizontal surface, or mounted to an inclined orvertically oriented surface, such as a wall to which the base 102 isaffixed. Additionally, the perimeter wall 108 follows the shape of thebase 102 itself. For example, the perimeter wall 108 depicted in FIG. 1is circular in shape, matching the cylindrical shape of the overall base102.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thebase 102 also includes a channel groove 110 centrally disposed andoriented such that it traverses completely across an upper half of thebase 102 and through the perimeter wall 108 at each end of the channelgroove. The channel groove 110 is designed to receive and hold a frame200 securely in a vertical position with a side of the frame 200 restingsubstantially flush with the channel groove 110, as depicted in FIG.14C. The channel groove 110 includes a channel groove floor 112 at apredetermined depth from the top end 104 of the base 102, a firstchannel groove wall 114 extending from the top end 104 of the base 102to the channel groove floor 112, and a second channel groove wall 116opposite the first channel groove wall 114 and extending from the topend 104 of the base 102 to the channel groove floor 112. The firstchannel groove wall 114 and the second channel groove wall 116 can begenerally perpendicular to the channel groove floor 112 for mostimplementations; however, one of skill in the art will appreciate thatminor variations of angle away from perpendicular may also be sufficientto create the friction fit with a frame 200 as described herein. Thefirst channel groove wall 114 and the second channel groove wall 116 arespaced apart a distance sized and dimensioned relative to a thickness ofa frame 200 in such a way that when the frame 200 is placed into thechannel groove 110, the channel groove 110 is configured to receive theframe 200 and frictionally hold the frame 200 therebetween with afriction or interference fit, and without requiring any other mechanicalfastening means. For example, when a straight side of the frame 200 isplaced in the channel groove 110, the straight side of the frame 200 isarranged generally parallel with and abutting the channel groove floor112, the first channel groove wall 114 and the second channel groovewall 116.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thechannel groove 110 of the base 102 includes a notch recess 118 disposeddown through the channel groove floor 112 and extending toward thebottom end 106 of the base 102. In accordance with one exampleembodiment, the notch recess 118 is generally V-shaped, with an apex ofthe V-shaped notch recess being generally perpendicular to the firstchannel groove wall 114 and the second channel groove wall 116. Thenotch recess 118 is designed to receive a corner of the frame 200 and issufficiently deep such that the frame 200 will be supported verticallywhen placed within the channel groove 110, as depicted in FIG. 14B. Inparticular, when a generally 90° corner of the frame 200 is placed inthe channel groove 110, the corner is received into and abuts the notchrecess 118 in such a way that either side of the frame 200 forming thecorner is parallel with and abuts walls of the V-shaped notch recess 118and extends downward through the channel groove floor 112 toward thebottom end 106 of the base 102. Those of skill in the art willappreciate that the interior angle of the V-shaped notch recess 118 fora right angle frame is generally 90°, but that the interior angle of theV-shaped notch recess can vary to be wider or narrower, so long as theframe 200 desired to be mounted has a corner of the same orsubstantially similar angular measurement, such that it can be receivedand supported by the V-shaped notch recess 118.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the frame mount base 102. In particular,FIG. 2 depicts how the channel groove 110 extends through the center ofthe base 102 while dividing the perimeter wall 108 to create the firstchannel groove wall 114 and the second channel groove wall 116.Additionally, FIG. 2 depicts the placement of the notch recess 118 at acentral location of the channel groove 110 and oriented between thefirst channel groove wall 114 and the second channel groove wall 116.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side plan views of the frame mount base 102. Inparticular, FIGS. 3A and 3B depict how the central channel groove 110extends through the center of the base 102 at a predetermined depth.FIG. 3A depicts one side view of the base 102 (e.g., 3 o'clock or 9o'clock positions as it relates to FIG. 2) showing the location of thechannel groove floor 112 as it relates to the top end 104, bottom end106, and the perimeter wall 108 of the base 102. FIG. 3B depicts anotherside view of the base 102 (e.g., 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock positions as itrelates to FIG. 2) with the channel groove 110 dividing the perimeterwall 108. FIG. 3B also shows the location of the channel groove floor112 as it relates to the top end 104, bottom end 106, and the perimeterwall 108 of the base 102.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side plan view of the frame mount base 102.In particular, FIG. 4 depicts how the channel groove 110 and the notchrecess 118 relate to the top end 104, bottom end 106, and the perimeterwall 108 of the base 102. FIG. 4 also depicts how the profile of theframe 200 fits into the notch recess 118 in an orientation as depictedin FIG. 14B.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, theframe mount system 100 includes one or more stacking connectors 120.FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative isometric view of a stacking connector120 in accordance with the present invention. The stacking connector120, as depicted in FIG. 5, is a generally H-shaped stacking partincluding a first channel 122 and a second channel 124. The firstchannel 122 and the second channel 124 are each sized and dimensioned toreceive one of the two generally straight sides of the frame 200 in sucha way that when the frame 200 is placed into one of the first channel122 or the second channel 124, the frame 200 is received and isfrictionally held therebetween. In one example, the width and the depthof the first channel 122 and the second channel 124 are substantiallysimilar in dimensions to the width and depth of the channel groove 110of the base 102 (e.g., width being the distance between the firstchannel groove wall 114 and the second channel groove wall 116 and thedepth being the distance from the top end 104 to the channel groovefloor 112). The width and depth of the channel groove 110, the firstchannel 122, and the second channel 124 are the dimensions responsiblefor providing the friction or interference fit for holding a frame 200therebetween, and without requiring additional fastening means. As wouldbe appreciated by one skilled in the art, the stacking connector 120 canbe formed from a single part of a combination of parts coupled together.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, theH-shaped stacking connector 120 is formed by two U-shaped parts (withsubstantially flat bottom surfaces) coupled together. In particular, thebottom surfaces of the two U-shaped parts are coupled together to formthe H-shaped stacking connector 120. Each of the U-shaped parts includea channel for receiving the frame 200, such that when two U-shaped partsare coupled together they form the H-shaped stacking connector 120 withthe first channel 122 and the second channel 124. More specifically,each U-shaped part includes a channel groove floor 126 and two channelwalls 128 perpendicular to the channel groove floor 126 to form thechannels. The depth of the channels 122, 124 is defined by respectivechannel groove floors 126 and channel walls 128. FIG. 6 is a side planview of the stacking connector 120. As shown in FIG. 6, the two U-shapedparts are substantially symmetrical to one another and couple togetherin a mirror image configuration to form the H-shaped stacking connector120.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thetwo U-shaped parts forming the stacking connector 120 include a malehalf 120 a and a female half 120 b. FIG. 7 is an illustrative isometricview of a male half 120 a of the stacking connector 120. The male half120 a includes a plurality of teeth or tabs 130 extending from one sideof the male half 120 a. The plurality of teeth or tabs 130 are designedto insert and frictionally lock with slots 132 of the female half 120 b.As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, any combination ofconventional mechanical fasteners (e.g., teeth 130 and slots 132) can beutilized to couple the male and female halves 120 a, 120 b together.FIG. 8 is a perspective internal plan view of the male half 120 a of astacking connector 120. In particular, FIG. 8 depicts a view of theplurality of teeth or tabs 130 extending from one side of the male half120 a from above/underneath the male half 120 a. FIG. 9 is a side planview of the male half 120 a of the stacking connector 120.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative isometric view of a female half 120 b of thestacking connector 120 in accordance with the present invention. Thefemale half 120 a includes a plurality of slots 132 extending into oneside of the female half 120 b that are designed to receive andfrictionally lock with the plurality of teeth or tabs 130 of the malehalf 120 b. FIG. 11 is an internal plan view of the female half 120 b ofthe stacking connector 120 in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the female half 120 b of the stackingconnector 120. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art,although the male half 120 a and the female half 120 b are depicted as aU-shape and upside-down U-shape, respectively, in FIGS. 7, 9, 10, and12, however, the parts are not limited to this orientation. The U-shapedparts 120 a, 120 b are able to be coupled together in eitherorientation.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, oneor more uncoupled male halves 120 a or female halves 120 b are capableof acting as a frame mount 100 by resting on a flat surface and capableof holding the frame 200 vertically, as depicted in FIG. 14A. As wouldbe appreciated by one skilled in the art, the number of male halves 120a, female halves 120 b, and/or bases 102 needed to hold a frame can varybased on a size and weight of the frame 200.

FIG. 13 is an external plan view of either a male 120 a or female 120 bhalves of the stacking connector 120, which are substantially similar toeach other in this view.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thebase 102, stacking connector 120 (as separate parts or coupled parts),the male halves 120 a, the female halves 120 b, and the frames 200 canbe included within a single mounting kit. The frame mount system 100includes any combination of parts that are utilized for mounting theframe 200. More specifically, the mounting parts (e.g., the base 102,stacking connector 120, the male halves 120 a, and the female halves 120b) are the parts of the kit configured to hold one or more frames 200vertically from a horizontal surface.

The frame(s) 200 can include any combination of frame dimension, shape,and material with any combination of pane materials. For example, theframe is one of a rectangular or polygonal shape with two layers ofsuspension film 134 configured to suspend objects 140 therebetween. Forutilization with the base 102 and enabling the two orientations providedby the base 102 (e.g., placed flat within the channel groove 110 orplaced with a corner flush within the notch recess 118) the frame shapeshould include at least two generally straight sides and at least onecorner (to be placed within the notch recess 118). The frame 200, withat least one corner, and the base 102 enable multiple frame orientationsnot available to conventional mounting systems. For example, when one ofthe two generally straight sides of the frame is placed in the channelgroove, the one of the two generally straight sides is generallyparallel with and abutting the channel groove floor, the first channelgroove wall, and the second channel groove wall. Alternatively, when theat least one corner of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the atleast one corner is received into and abuts the notch recess, extendingdownwardly through the channel groove floor toward the bottom end of thebase.

In operation, some combination of the bases 102, stacking connectors120, the male halves 120 a, and the female halves 120 b can all beutilized in some combination to hold one or more frames 200. FIGS. 14A,14B, and 14C are illustrative views of the frames 200 held by the framemount base 102 and/or the stacking connectors 120 (e.g., the frame mountkit). FIG. 14A depicts two frames 200 held vertically in place. The leftframe 200 is held in place by a pair of male halves 120 a and the secondframe 200 is held in place by a pair of female halves 120 b.Additionally, each of the frames 200 in FIG. 14A show an object 140 heldin suspension between two layers of suspension film 134. In FIG. 14A theorientation of the frames 200 are horizontal with one side makingcontact with the channel groove floors 126 of the respective male halves120 a and female halves 120 b. As would be appreciated by one skilled inthe art, the pair of male halves 120 a or female halves 120 b could bereplaced by one or more bases 102 and/or stacking connector 120 toproduce the same result. In these situations the frame 200 would behorizontal with one side making contact with the channel groove 110 ofthe base(s) 102 the channel groove floors 126 of stacking connector 120,respectively.

FIG. 14B depicts two frames 200, with an object 140 held in suspensionbetween two layers of suspension film 134, held vertically in place atdifferent orientations using the base 102. The multiple orientations ofthe frames 200 provided in FIG. 14B are provided by the unique shape andstructure of the base 102, specifically the channel groove 110 and thenotch recess 118 within the channel groove 110 of the base 102. In thefirst frame 200 orientation (e.g., diamond orientation) a corner of theframe 200 is placed within and in substantial contact with the surfaceof the notch recess 118 at a sufficient depth to hold the frame 200 in avertical orientation. In the second frame 200 orientation (e.g.,rectangular orientation) a side of the frame 200 is placed within and insubstantial contact with the surface of the channel groove 110 at asufficient depth to hold the frame 200 in a vertical orientation. Thisunique multi-orientation functionality enables the single base 102 tohold a frame in a first orientation representative of a diamond shape ora second orientation representative of a rectangular shape.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thestacking connectors 120 can be combined with mounting parts (e.g., base102, stacking connector 120, uncoupled male or female half 102 a, 120 b,etc.) to create a combined frame object 300 including multiple frames200. FIG. 14C depicts a combined frame object 300 including three frames200 combined together in a vertical orientation utilizing a combinationof frame mount 100 parts and stacking connectors 120. In particular,FIG. 14C depicts two bases 102 holding a first frame 200 vertically in arectangular orientation (bottom frame 200). FIG. 14C also depicts twostacking connectors 120 on top of the first frame 200 which are holdinga second frame 200 on top of the first frame 200. Similarly, the secondframe 200 includes one stacking connector 120 holding a third frame ontop of the second frame 200. The resulting combination of frames 200,bases 102, and stacking connectors 120 results in a tiered framestructure 300 of three frames 200 held in a vertical structure only viafriction fits. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, thenumber of frames 200, combination of frames 200 and frame orientationsare not limited to the examples provided herein and a user can utilizeany combination of frame mounts 100 and stacking connectors 120 tocreate unique frame 200 structures not explicitly discussed herein.

As utilized herein, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” are intendedto be construed as being inclusive, not exclusive. As utilized herein,the terms “exemplary”, “example”, and “illustrative”, are intended tomean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration” and should notbe construed as indicating, or not indicating, a preferred oradvantageous configuration relative to other configurations. As utilizedherein, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” are intendedto cover variations that may existing in the upper and lower limits ofthe ranges of subjective or objective values, such as variations inproperties, parameters, sizes, and dimensions. In one non-limitingexample, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” mean at, orplus 10 percent or less, or minus 10 percent or less. In onenon-limiting example, the terms “about”, “generally”, and“approximately” mean sufficiently close to be deemed by one of skill inthe art in the relevant field to be included. As utilized herein, theterm “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extend ordegree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item,or result, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. Forexample, an object that is “substantially” circular would mean that theobject is either completely a circle to mathematically determinablelimits, or nearly a circle as would be recognized or understood by oneof skill in the art. The exact allowable degree of deviation fromabsolute completeness may in some instances depend on the specificcontext. However, in general, the nearness of completion will be so asto have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion wereachieved or obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicablewhen utilized in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or nearcomplete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure,item, or result, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the presentinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of theforegoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construedas illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details ofthe structure may vary substantially without departing from the spiritof the present invention, and exclusive use of all modifications thatcome within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. Within thisspecification embodiments have been described in a way which enables aclear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended andwill be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined orseparated without parting from the invention. It is intended that thepresent invention be limited only to the extent required by the appendedclaims and the applicable rules of law.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover allgeneric and specific features of the invention described herein, and allstatements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language,might be said to fall therebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. A frame mount, comprising: a base having a topend, a bottom end, and a perimeter wall spanning between the top end andthe bottom end; a channel groove centrally disposed in an orientationthat traverses completely across an upper half of the base and throughthe perimeter wall at each end of the channel groove, the channel groovecomprising a channel groove floor at a predetermined depth from the topend of the base, a first channel groove wall extending from the top endof the base to the channel groove floor, and a second channel groovewall opposite the first channel groove wall and extending from the topend of the base to the channel groove floor; a notch recess disposeddown through the channel groove floor and extending toward the bottomend of the base; wherein the first channel groove wall and the secondchannel groove wall are spaced apart a distance sized and dimensionedrelative to a thickness of a frame in such a way that when the frame isplaced into the channel groove, the channel groove is configured toreceive the frame and frictionally hold the frame therebetween; whereinwhen a straight side of the frame is placed in the channel groove, thestraight side of the frame is arranged generally parallel with andabutting the channel groove floor, the first channel groove wall, andthe second channel groove wall, and the frame mount frictionally holdsthe frame in place without requiring additional fastening components;and wherein when a corner of the frame is placed in the channel groove,the corner is received into and abuts the notch recess, extendingdownwardly through the channel groove floor toward the bottom end of thebase, and the frame mount frictionally holds the frame in place withoutrequiring additional fastening components.
 2. The frame mount of claim1, wherein the notch recess is generally V-shaped, with an apex of theV-shaped notch recess being perpendicular to the first channel groovewall and the second channel groove wall.
 3. The frame mount of claim 2,wherein the v-shaped notch recess receives the corner of the frame insuch a way that either side of the frame forming the corner is parallelwith and abuts walls of the V-shaped notch recess.
 4. The frame mount ofclaim 1, wherein the perimeter wall is circular in shape.
 5. A frame andmount system, comprising: a frame having two generally straight sidesand at least one corner; a frame mount, comprising: a base having a topend, a bottom end, and a perimeter wall spanning between the top end andthe bottom end; a channel groove centrally disposed and traversingcompletely across an upper half of the base and through the perimeterwall at each end of the channel groove, the channel groove comprising achannel groove floor at a predetermined depth from the top end of thebase, a first channel groove wall extending perpendicularly from the topend of the base to the channel groove floor, and a second channel groovewall opposite the first channel groove wall and extendingperpendicularly from the top end of the base to the channel groovefloor; a notch recess disposed down through the channel groove floor andextending toward the bottom end of the base; wherein the first channelgroove wall and the second channel groove wall are spaced apart adistance sized and dimensioned relative to a thickness of the frame insuch a way that when the frame is placed into the channel groove, thechannel groove is configured to receive the frame and frictionally holdthe frame therebetween; wherein when one of the two generally straightsides of the frame is placed in the channel groove, the one of the twogenerally straight sides is generally parallel with and abutting thechannel groove floor, the first channel groove wall, and the secondchannel groove wall; and wherein when the at least one corner of theframe is placed in the channel groove, the at least one corner isreceived into and abuts the notch recess, extending downwardly throughthe channel groove floor toward the bottom end of the base.
 6. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the notch recess is generally V-shaped, withan apex of the V-shaped notch recess being perpendicular to the firstchannel groove wall and the second channel groove wall.
 7. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the V-shaped notch recess receives the at least onecorner of the frame in such a way that either side of the frame formingthe at least one corner is parallel with and abuts walls of the V-shapednotch recess.
 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the frame furthercomprises two layers of suspension film configured to suspend objectstherebetween.
 9. The system of claim 5, further comprising a generallyH-shaped stacking connector, comprising: a first channel; and a secondchannel; wherein the first channel and the second channel are sized anddimensioned to receive one of the two generally straight sides of theframe in such a way that when the frame is placed into one of the firstchannel or the second channel the frame is received and is frictionallyheld therebetween.
 10. The system of claim 5, wherein the frame is oneof a rectangular or polygonal shape.
 11. A frame and mount kit,comprising: a frame having two generally straight sides and at least onecorner; a frame mount, comprising: a base having a top end, a bottomend, and a perimeter wall spanning between the top end and the bottomend; a channel groove centrally disposed and traversing completelyacross an upper half of the base and through the perimeter wall at eachend of the channel groove, the channel groove comprising a channelgroove floor at a predetermined depth from the top end of the base, afirst channel groove wall extending perpendicularly from the top end ofthe base to the channel groove floor, and a second channel groove wallopposite the first channel groove wall and extending perpendicularlyfrom the top end of the base to the channel groove floor; a notch recessdisposed down through the channel groove floor and extending toward thebottom end of the base; wherein the first channel groove wall and thesecond channel groove wall are spaced apart a distance sized anddimensioned relative to a thickness of the frame in such a way that whenthe frame is placed into the channel groove, the channel groove isconfigured to receive the frame and frictionally hold the frametherebetween; wherein when one of the two generally straight sides ofthe frame is placed in the channel groove, the one of the two generallystraight sides is generally parallel with and abutting the channelgroove floor, the first channel groove wall, and the second channelgroove wall; and wherein when the at least one corner of the frame isplaced in the channel groove, the at least one corner is received intoand abuts the notch recess, extending downwardly through the channelgroove floor toward the bottom end of the base.
 12. The kit of claim 11,wherein the notch recess is generally V-shaped, with an apex of theV-shaped notch recess being perpendicular to the first channel groovewall and the second channel groove wall.
 13. The kit of claim 12,wherein the V-shaped notch recess receives the at least one corner ofthe frame in such a way that either side of the frame forming the atleast one corner is parallel with and abuts walls of the V-shaped notchrecess.
 14. The kit of claim 11, wherein the frame further comprises twolayers of suspension film configured to suspend objects therebetween.15. The kit of claim 11, further comprising a generally H-shapedstacking connector, comprising: a first channel; and a second channel;wherein the first channel and the second channel are sized anddimensioned to receive one of the two generally straight sides of theframe in such a way that when the frame is placed into one of the firstchannel or the second channel the frame is received and is frictionallyheld therebetween.